No, a video game doesn't determine everything, but it's still an interesting barometer for what the public perception of Boston is.
The NBA 2K27 video game ratings were recently released, and while ultimately, video game ratings don't really matter, it's still an interesting barometer for what the public perception is on certain players and certain teams.
From a team perspective, the Boston Celtics were listed in a four-way tie for Eastern Conference's fifth-best roster, which likely disappoints fans who want to see the team compete for another NBA title.
And from a player perspective, C's fans are likely to be disappointed as well.
Why?
Because Jaylen Brown, who the Celtics just traded away to the Philadelphia 76ers, is rated one spot higher than Jayson Tatum, who the Celtics have kept and elected to fully build the franchise around.
Brown was given a 95 overall ranking, same as Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard and Cade Cunningham.
Tatum, now fully back after playing just 16 games last season because of a torn Achilles, is rated as a 93, putting him on par with Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Booker and Tyrese Maxey.
It's certainly good company for Tatum, but it's noteworthy that Brown is seen as being ahead of him. Brown did finish sixth in the NBA's MVP voting a season ago, averaging 28.7 ppg for a Celtics team that went 56-26 and finished second in the Eastern Conference.
Tatum is a six-time All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) warm up before the start of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. David Butler II-Imagn ImagesComparisons will happen all year
Unfortunately, the reality is that the pressure is on Tatum this season. For the first time in his 10-year career, the spotlight is fully his. His year will be compared to Brown's last year, and his ability to lead will be compared to how Brown led.
And if Tatum falls short of that kind of season? Then fans - and media - will start wondering if Boston built around the right player.
From a team perspective
As we mentioned above, the Celtics roster was rated as an 83 overall, making it tied with the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards and Orlando Magic.
Boston is behind the Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers (84), as well as the 76ers (86).
Top-ranked players in NBA 2K27
1) Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (98)
2) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder (98)
3) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (97)
4) Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (97)
5) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat (97)
6) Jalen Brunson, Knicks (96)
7) Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (96)
8) All above players mentioned at 95
9) All above players mentioned at 93
